UNION HOUSE AMERICAN KITCHEN 0s050 Winfield Road, Winfield (630) 456-4188 www.unionhousekitchen.net Owners: Stephany & Bart Johnson

EAT LOCAL, EAT FRESH, EAT SEASONAL As Oktoberfest is underway and craft beers are brewing everywhere we wanted to find a place to enjoy good beer and good food. What we found at the Union House American Kitchen was all of that and more!

Owners Stephany & Bart Johnson have created a unique Americana small plates dining experience. Their motto: eat local, eat fresh, eat seasonal. Great beer and food is always in season here but are ever changing. Both their beer and food menu changes depending on what they can source locally.

This warm aromatic eating house is located downtown Winfield a ½ block from the Metra. The atmosphere is relaxed and gives you time to savor each shared plate and beverage. Not sure what beer to order? The bartender will recommend or pair a beer with each bite. Do not worry about the time here, clocks adorn the walls but you won’t find one that is correct! As with traditional tapas these small plates are for sharing and come out as they are prepared– fresh and hot.

We started with the crispy beer battered pickles aside a creamy avocado buttermilk dipping sauce. The Whiteford’s Buffalo shrimp are lightly fried tossed with aged clarified butter and cayenne sauce had just the right amount of heat which allowed the flavor to add the punch. Then we were on to the mac and cheese. The bacon is smoked in house and then added to a creamy cheddar mornay sauce, tomato concasse and topped with toasted panko. The smell alone was intoxicating! The smoked pulled pork sliders are a house favorite and we definitely agree. Tender pork, not too much sweet heat BBQ sauce on a pretzel roll topped with coleslaw and pickle, accompanied by chips– all made in house. For something a little lighter, try the seared sushi grade scallops on a bed of asparagus risotto.

Make sure to save some room for the cheesecake! Stephany’s Mom, Diane Krapausky’s Oreo crusted cheesecake recipe is a decadent one. Our generous slice came with Door County blueberries and we can’t stop thinking about it. Whether you want savory or sweet, you will find it here. This is a great west suburban find which has an extensive unique beer offering and a wonderful farm-to-table menu.

ABOUT THE CRITICS Stephanie & Tiffany Schmoker are west suburban sisters who have always shared a love for dining out and they also enjoy cooking together. They came from a family of 7 and grew up on a farm with fresh fruits, veggies and more. Watch for their review of a different west suburban restaurant in each issue of Glancer Magazine.